Some of Plymouth’s most high-profile figures have spoken in support of former Naval officer Charles Howeson during a sexual assault trial.

Evidence given by each character witness, which included MPs, an ex-Plymouth City Council leader, reverends, lieutenant commanders and even a lord at Bristol Crown Court, echoed how Howeson was a ‘very respectable man of integrity’.

Howeson, aged 68, is on trial charged with 11 counts of indecently assaulting young men and a boy and one count of attempted buggery.

Former Naval officer Charles Howeson

Howeson, a leading Plymouth businessman, denies all charges, which date from between 1985 and 1994.

Among his character witnesses were former Plymouth MP Linda Gilroy, current South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray and John Ingham, who was the Plymouth City Council leader in the 1990s.

Lord Sebastian Seymour - the son of the Duke of Somerset - also vouched for Howeson.

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“Charles and Emma also supported my son in the aftermath [of his father’s death] and I know that my son has nothing but respect for them and their children.”

Appearing at Bristol Crown Court to give evidence, Mr Ingham, former Plymouth City Council leader from 1991 to 1997, said he thought the allegations against Howeson were “some terrible mistake” when he found out about it through court proceedings last year.

Former leader of Plymouth City Council John Ingham

The former Labour councillor said: “I knew Charles’ family very well and Charles was a great help to me as leader of the council.

Mr Janner asked: “Did you ever have concerns about any impropriety?

Mr Ingham replied: “Not at all. He had this saying, ‘you can’t make the rules up as you go along’ – he always approached everything strictly according to the rules.”

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Mrs Gilroy, a former Labour MP, praised Charles’ work in the community and how he made 'good things happen'.

In her statement read out by Mr Janner, she wrote: “If you wanted something to work you could count on Charles to bring people together and ensure they were able to contribute to whatever was going on.

“He wanted others to succeed and must have assisted many thousands of people through his efforts to help them realise their potential.

Former Labour MP Linda Gilroy

“I have never observed Charles behave with anything other than integrity and professionalism. I would never have hesitated to turn to him for help in case of personal or professional trouble.”

The alleged incidents Howeson is accused of were said to have taken place aboard HMS Cleopatra, a frigate on which Howeson worked in the 1980s, at his home in Plymouth and during his time at the Groundwork Trust, a charity where he was executive director.

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Mr Janner asked Mr Chubb if he had been to any social events with Howeson. He said: “Yes. He was tactile, he would go in and give you a hug, he was always pleased to meet you and was a good entertainer.

Mr Janner added: "Have you ever seen him act improperly?

“No, God no," replied Mr Chubb.

Charles Howeson, who is standing trial at Bristol Crown Court, denies all the charges made against him